jd126736_working_brochure1 5/21/08 10:52 AM Page 1
C
For any further technical assistance
prior to fixing, please contact your
nearest Masonite Sales Office.
Composite
M
Y
CM
MY
CY CMY
K
jd126736_working_brochure1 5/20/08 3:23 PM Page 2
C
M
Y
CM
MY
CY CMY
K
The world’s
first piece of
Hardboard!
Over 80 years ago, in an attempt to reduce the great
quantities of left-over wood, normally burned as waste,
to its strong component fibres, William H Mason
developed a unique explosion process. His intention was
to use a steam-heated screw press to squeeze the water
out of a piece of wetlap and to dry out the resulting flat
panel in an oven.
One day, he turned off the steam and went to lunch.
Upon his return, he found the press still hot because the
steam valve had sprung a leak. Meanwhile, his piece of
wetlap had turned into a hard, dense, dry board which
wouldn’t split, splinter, crack, dent or snag.
Flexijoint
Softboard is made up of wet-felted wood fibres combined
into a relatively soft board of uniform density and
thickness. The cellular nature of the material results in
a lightweight multi-purpose sheet or panel having good
thermal and sound insulation properties. The board, as
it is produced, has a light brown textured finish but may
be obtained with a factory applied pre-painted (primecoat)
finish.
Flexijoint, an ideal lightweight expansion jointing material
for concrete structures, is derived from the addition of
bitumen during the standard softboard manufacturing
process. Due to excellent compression and recovery
ratios, as well as minimum water absorption and thickness
swell characteristics, it has an outstanding ability to hold
a constant joint size.
Easy to handle and durable, softboard has numerous
uses in homes, offices, factories and educational
institutions. It is particularly suitable for use as ceiling
boards, protective packaging and protection of high cost
horizontal & vertical surfaces on building projects,
display boards, pinning board substrate, internal office
screen material, and much more.
Quite by accident, he had discovered the incredibly
versatile and practical product which became known as
Masonite® Brand hardboard.
William H Mason
Since then, the uses of hardboard have become virtually
limitless, and from Mr Mason’s little workshop has
grown a vast, world-wide organisation of afforestation,
production, marketing and sales, distribution and research.
Many types, thicknesses, surface textures and sizes are
now available for use industrially, commercially and
domestically.
In Africa, the Masonite name has for over 55 years been
synonomous with quality and integrity in the provision
of complete support to the entire construction industry
through specifiers, builders, distributors and stockists.
2
Estcourt Mill
Composite
Softboard
Used mainly for high rise buildings, pavements, gutters,
curbs, aprons, driveways and other concrete strips, streets
and highways, Flexijoint is also suitable for
vertical/horizontal supports and reinforced concrete
structures such as bridges, retaining walls and piers.
The following names are registered trademarks of Masonite
Corporation and/or Masonite (Africa) limited: Masonite,
Presdwood, Seadrift, Regency, Legacy, Albany, Orleans,
Country West, Peg-board, Timbawall, Timbatone, Trugrain.
MASONITE SOFTBOARD PHYSICAL PROPERTIES
PROPERTY
UNIT
Nominal Thickness
mm
Thickness Tolerance
mm
Mass
Density
SOFTBOARD
FLEXIJOINT
10.00
13.00
19.00
10.00
13.00
±
0.8
0.8
0.8
0.7
0.7
kg/m2
approx.
2.3
3.2
4.8
2.3
3.2
kg/m3
max.
400
400
400
400
400
MPa
min.
2
2
2
2
2
Lateral Nail Holding Ability
(Using a 3mm diameter pin)
N/mm
Thick
min.
14
14
14
14
14
Water Absorption after 2hrs
immersion at 20ºC
%
max.
35
30
23
28
23
Linear Expansion/Contraction in
range 33% to 90% RH at 20ºC
%
max.
0.5
0.5
0.5
Thermal Conductivity
K
W/mºC
Av.
0.06
0.06
0.06
0.06
0.06
Thermal Resistance
R
m2ºC/W
Av.
0.222
0.289
0.422
0.222
0.289
Bending Strength (M.O.R)
15
jd126736_working_brochure1 5/20/08 3:24 PM Page 3
C
Manufacturing...
Hardboard has many of the desirable characteristics of
wood, but is without the defects found in wood. It is
grainless, knotless, and will not easily split or splinter.
It can also be bent, curved or moulded to various shapes
and has good machining properties, nailability and high
internal bond strength for glueing. These important
benefits, along with a high structural strength, good
dimensional stability, durability, resistance to abrasion
and a smooth surface make hardboard ideal for use in
the furniture, door manufacturing, construction,
automotive and packaging industries.
MASONITE HARDBOARD PHYSICAL PROPERTIES
14
Composite
CM
MY
CY CMY
K
Your needs!
Hardboard is produced from timber which is reduced to
lignocellulose fibres, wet-felted and hot pressed to form
sheets. The primary bond is derived from the felting
process and inherent adhesive properties of the lignin
which occur naturally in timber. Surface texture is smooth
or embossed on one side with a fine mesh pattern on the
reverse. Masonite® Brand hardboard is commonly
referred to by the trade name Presdwood®
UNIT
Nominal Thickness
mm
Thickness Tolerance (unsanded)
mm
Mass
Density
STANDARD PRESDWOOD
This brochure introduces you to the versatile
and easy to handle aspects of hardboard products
and illustrates how they can be used for
maximum efficiency, durability and effect. Good
workmanship takes time and care… Masonite
is dedicated to assisting you in every step along
the way.
Contact your nearest Masonite sales office for
further information and details of the full range
of Masonite quality products, namely; Softboard,
Deep Moulded, Plain and Embossed Door Panels,
Trugrain, Timbawall, Timbamatch, Flexijoint,
Echostop and Mineral Fibre Ceiling Tiles.
TEMPERED PRESDWOOD
3.2
4.8
6.4
3.2
4.8
6.4
±
0.4
0.4
0.4
0.4
0.4
0.4
kg/m2
approx.
3.2
4.8
6.4
3.2
4.8
6.4
kg/m3
min.
940
940
940
960
960
960
Bending Strength (M.O.R)
MPa
min.
38
38
38
50
50
50
Interlamina Tensile
Strength (Bond)
MPa
min.
0.7
0.7
0.7
1.0
1.0
1.0
Sheer Resistance
MPa
Av.
35
35
35
40
40
40
N/mm
Thick
min.
120
120
120
125
125
125
Water Absorption after
24hrs immersion at 20ºC
%
max.
30
20
16
24
20
15
Thickness increase after
24hrs in water at 20ºC
%
max.
18
16
14
16
16
14
Thickness Increase from
33% to 90% RH at 20ºC
%
max.
7
7
7
7
7
7
Linear Expansion/Contraction in
range 33% to 90% RH at 20ºC
%
max.
0.25
0.25
0.25
0.25
0.25
0.25
Thermal Conductivity
K
W/mºC
Av.
0.12
0.12
0.12
0.14
0.14
0.14
Thermal Resistance
R
m2 ºC/W
Av.
0.027
0.04
0.053
0.025
0.034
0.046
Lateral Nail Holding Ability
(Using a 3mm diameter pin)
Y
Understanding
Hardboard
PROPERTY
M
Cutting And Sawing
4&5
Drilling
5
Conditioning Before Fixing
6
Timber/Steel Support Details
7
Fixing Procedures
8&9
Decoration
10
Painting And Staining
11
Bending
12
Storage And Handling
13
Hardboard Manufacture
14
Softboard/Flexijoint Manufacture 15
3
jd126736_working_brochure1 5/20/08 3:25 PM Page 4
C
Cutting
Fig 1
When cutting boards it is important to pay attention to
normal good practice: sharp cutters, adequate support
close to saws and cutters, elimination of machine
vibration, correct allowance for saw kerf, etc. The quality
of cut is also affected by moisture, and excessively high
board moisture contents should therefore be avoided.
Low angle of cut
Wanted or decorateds face
Support
The most convenient method of cutting softboard is by
means of a trimming knife used with a straight edge.
To reduce tear-out of the reverse face, the cut should be
made onto a flat, rigid backing material. Softboard may
also be cut with a fine toothed saw (see recommendations
below for cutting hardboard).
Fig 2
Cutting Hardboard by Hand
Where a very close tolerance fit is needed, boards should
be cut to size after moisture content “conditioning”.
Support
Handsaws
Wanted or decorated face
Since hardboards are wood based materials, carpenter’s
handsaws are generally used. To prevent chipping, saws
with ten or more teeth per 25mm are recommended, ie.
a panel saw held at a low angle of cut to the board and
with minimal tooth set (Fig 1).
Mechanical sawing and Routing
Fig 3
Wanted or decorated face
Feed
Certain types of cutters (portable circular saws, radial
arm saws and jig saws) cut on the upstroke, and the
wanted or decorated face of the board should therefore
be placed facing downwards (see Fig 2). Bench circular
saws, on the other hand, cut on the downstroke, thus
necessitating feeding board in face uppermost (Fig 3).
Table 1 gives some recommendations for optimum
cutting of hardboard. Circular saw blades should be set
as low as possible (while still maintaining correct cutting
angle) to prevent chipping and scoring as the board
passes the rear end of the saw blade.
4
The height of the saw blade should be positioned so as
to maintain the correct hook angle relative to the board
surface.
Cutter speed (revolutions/min) is related to feed speed
(metres/min). If the feed speed is too slow, cutters will
have insufficient “chip load” and the tip of the cutter
knife will wear rapidly. Too great a feed speed will
result in rough, fibrous cut edges.
Composite
Y
CM
MY
CY CMY
K
Storage
and sawing
Cutting Softboard by Hand
M
and Handling
All boards should be stored under cover (i.e protected
from rain and direct sunlight) but do not necessarily
have to be in a totally enclosed building. In warm or
hot weather conditions avoid storage in direct sunlight
as this may cause an unwanted fall in moisture content
and/or a bleaching of the natural board colour. In wet
weather conditions, boards should be protected from the
rain and excessive humidity.
Fig 12
Boards are usually delivered from the the factory in
various forms of unitised packs such as pallet loads of
boards bundled together with metal or plastic straps.
Stacking of unitised packs is important and there should
be sufficient bearers to support the boards without
allowing sagging between bearers and the bearers must
be vertically aligned- see Fig. 12. The strapping bands
should be cut as soon as practical after delivery to prevent
them permanently deforming the boards.
Hardboard which has warped due to uneven uptake of
moisture may be flattened by thoroughly wetting the
screen face and leaving stacked flat, weighted where
necessary, for several days - see Table 2.
When boards are unpacked and sorted into smaller
batches they should again be stored flat. If this is not
possible, they should be stacked vertically along their
longer edges and adequately supported - See Fig 13.
Fig 13
Special care must be taken to avoid damage to edges
and corners during handling and transportation. This is
especially important with “higher value” pre-decorated
boards.
TABLE 1
Cutting hardboard: Recommendations for saws and routers
(For explanation of terms see Fig 4.)
Diameter (mm)
Revolutions/minute
Cutter speed (m/sec)
Number of teeth
Feeding speed metres/minute
Chipload (mm)
Back clearance angle
Hook or rake angle
Tangential clearance angle
Radial clearance angle
Front bevel angle
Back bevel angle
SAWS
350
3500-4000
70
76
20-50
0,2
10-14
5-10
3
1
0-5
10-15
ROUTERS
100-150
6000
30-50
6-8
8-10
0,2
12
15
13
jd126736_working_brochure1 5/20/08 3:25 PM Page 5
C
Bending
While compound curves such as dished shapes, etc, are not
always possible, Masonite hardboard products can easily be
bent to form simple, one-directional curves. These fall into
two general types:
1. Those which must be supported with a permanent
framework;
2. Those which are self-supporting.
Cold Dry Bends
Supported bends only. Preparation - no special treatment is
required. Method - starting at one end, permanently fasten
panel as it is wrapped around the form. See Table 5 for
minimum bending radii.
Cold Moist Bends
Supported and self-supporting bends. Preparation - moisture
content of the panels should be increased prior to the bending
operation by one of the following methods: Totally submerge
the board to be bent in water (not exceeding 40 C) for a
minimum period of 2 hours. The period of total immersion
is dependent upon the thickness of the board and the radius
of the desired bend. Stack boards after immersion to equalise
moisture content. If a sufficiently large container is not
available, scrub water into the screen side and stack face to
face, separating the sheets with wet paper. The stack should
be covered to prevent evaporation and allowed to stand for
the following periods of time:
Standard grades: approx. 24 hours
Tempered grades: approx. 48 hours
Method - Supported Bends: Starting at one end, permanently
fasten panel as it is wrapped around the form.
Method - Structural or Self-supported Bends:
The radius of the form should be slightly less than that
desired in the final bend, to allow for springback. Starting
at one end fasten the panel as it is wrapped around the form.
Allow the board to dry completely on the form before
removal. Drying time may be reduced by the application of
heat. See Table 5 for minimum bending radii.
Hot Moist Bends
12
Self-supported bend only. Preparation - moisten panel as
described under “Cold Moist Bends”, but use hot water up
to 55 C. Method - moist panels should be wrapped around
heated forms where they remain until thoroughly dry. The
radius of the form should be slightly less than that desired
to allow for springback. The temperature of the roll or form
should be 150 to 200 C constant and uniformly distributed.
See Table 5 for minimum bending radii.
Heated Rolls
Stationary or rotating, fitted with the necessary clamps and
accessories. Heating mediums may be steam, electricity or
hot oil depending upon the equiment used.
Composite
M
Y
CM
MY
CY CMY
K
Tungsten carbide tipped
saw blades and cutters
TABLE 5
Minimum bending radii
BOARD TYPE THICKNESS
(mm)
Standard
Tempered
BENDING RADIUS (mm)
A
B
C
DRY
WET
WET/HOT
(arrows indicate mesh surface)
3,2
4,8
6,4
300
450
675
250
400
600
175
250
375
125
200
300
85
75
110 100
150 125
3,2
4,8
6,4
225
400
625
175
350
550
150
225
350
100
150
250
60
50
85
75
125 100
A - At ordinary room temperature and moisture contents.
B - After immersion in clean water (up to 40 C) for at least two hours
and then stacked to allow water penetration to each board.
C - After soaking in hot water (up to 55 C) followed by bending
around a heated mandrel at about 180 C.
Tungsten carbide tipped saws and cutters have a very
much lower wear rate than most other types, and this
offsets their high initial cost. Comparisons made on a
range of hardboards indicate a wear rate some 80 times
less with type C tungsten carbide tipped cutters, compared
with 18 per cent tungsten high speed steel.
Cutting pre-decorated boards
It is normal to cut down onto the wanted or decorated
face of a board. Chipping of the decorated surface can
be eliminated by:
- Using a saw with ten (preferably more) teeth per 25mm.
- Keeping a low angle of cut.
- Working to a knifed or scored line, the cut being
made on the waste side of the line.
- Place masking tape on the decorated face over the
intended line of cut. This makes marking easier (pencil
lines can be readily drawn on the tape) as well as
reducing chipping.
Fig 4
Kerf
Back
bevel
angle
Side
(tangetial)
clearance
Tooth
Cutter tip
Tip
Front
bevel
angle
Gullett
Tooth body
Radial
clearance
Plan
Tip to body
clerance
Front Elevation
Back clearance angle, or O.D. clearance
Cutter tip
Tooth
Hook (rake) angle
Drilling
For drilling hardboard, bits designed for drilling steel
are more suitable than those intended for other woodbased materials. Speeds of 3000 - 4000 rpm produce the
cleanest cuts with least lipping around the hole. A feed
speed of about 10mm/sec is the optimum for bit wear.
Conventional steel drills have bits with a point angle of
118 . Increasing this to 170 decreases surface lipping.
(See Fig. 5)
Gullet
Side Elevation
Fig 5
Helix angle
Point angle
5
Lip
jd126736_working_brochure1 5/20/08 3:25 PM Page 6
C
Before boards are fixed ensure that they are at least as
damp as they are ever likely to become in subsequent
use. Like natural timber and other wood-based products,
boards expand on taking up moisture from the
surrounding air and shrink on losing it. Therefore, if a
board is fixed when it is very “dry” and later takes up
moisture, it is likely to expand - and this could cause
bowing or buckling.
By the time they are on site ready for use, most boards
have already “conditioned” themselves to some extent.
However, to reduce the possiblity of their buckling after
fixing, it is advisable to adjust their moisture content
further by conditioning them before they are fixed either in ambient air conditions or by adding water.
Conditioning in ambient air conditions is adequate in
cases where the board has been stored in periods of high
humidity i.e. during wet summer rain-fall periods but is
NOT sufficient in dry winter periods. It involves exposing
the boards in the room where they are to be fixed for
long enough to allow them to reach a moisture content
which is in balance with their surroundings and adjust
their dimensions accordingly. To encourage free air
circulation over all board surfaces, the boards should be
arranged loosely in one of the ways shown in Fig 6.
They should then be allowed to stand like this for the
minimum length of time, given in Table 2, for the type
of board being used.
Conditioning by adding water, particularly in winter,
effectively increases the board’s moisture content and
encourages expansion before fixing. It is suitable for
standard and tempered hardboards, especially when these
are used in exterior or damp locations.
6
Lay the boards smooth side down on a flat clean surface
in an unheated, draught-free place, under cover and out
of direct sunlight. With a brush or clean mop, rub clean
water into the mesh screen back face of the board at the
rate of a half litre for a board 2440 x 1220 x 3,2 mm.
For board of other sizes or thicknesses, the amount of
water should be increased in proportion. Moisten the
boards uniformly by working from the centre outwards
then place them wet side to wet side in a neat stack. The
boards should then be allowed to stand for the appropriate
minimum length of time given in Table 2.
For coated products, lay one panel face down on clean,
dry paper on a flat surface. Cover screen side of panel
with a single thickness of thoroughly wetted paper - then
place another panel on top, screen side down. Sandwich
all panels like this and cover stack. After 24 to 36 hours,
wipe off excess moisture and fix immediately.
Composite
Y
CM
MY
CY CMY
K
Painting
Conditioning
Before Fixing
M
and Staining
TABLE 2
Approximate “Conditioning” times before fixing
BOARD TYPE
CONDITIONING
BY EXPOSURE
TO AIR
CONDITIONING
WITH WATER
Standard Hardboard
(3,2mm - See note 1)
3 to 5 days
Ideally 48 to 72 hours
minimum time 24 hours
Tempered Hardboard
(3,2mm - See note 1)
5 to 7 days
Ideally 72 to 96 hours
minimum time 48 hours
Softboard
1 to 2 days
Not recommended
Flexijoint
See note 2
Not recommended
Notes:
1. Times shown are approximate for the 3,2mm thickness. These will need
adjusting to allow proportionally longer conditioning times: for thicker
boards, for boards that have been stored in an unusually dry place, or
where the final location has a higher-than-normal humidity.
2. Flexijoint is mostly used in exterior situations and simply storing
them in a covered open area is usually sufficient to condition them.
(a) Lean boards on their long edges
against one wall with separators
(eg. battens, waste timber, board
offcuts) between them.
Fig 6
For most work a three-coat application is required.
1. Hardboard primer or universal undercoat (pink
wood primer is not suitable)
2. Undercoat.
3. Finishing coat. Alternatively two finishing coats.
Primecote® can be adequately finished with a single
coat if applied with a spraygun, but two coats may be
needed if paint is brushed on. Use a type of paint best
suited for the particular purpose. For interior work, any
good grade of interior paint or enamel may be used. On
exterior applications, the hardboard surface and exposed
edges must be given a protective three-coat finish of
exterior grade paint or enamel. When in doubt consult
the Technical Department of your paint manufacturer,
who will be only too willing to assist you.
Note: Sodium silicate provides a good sealer coat
particularly on exterior exposed edges and for
sealing of fixing holes in exterior applications
eg. signboards.
Natural Finish
Application of clear finishes such as varnish, penetrating
sealers, shellac, etc., tends to darken the board to a minor
degree but does not detract from the natural colour.
Another method of retaining the natural finish is the
simple application of a white wax polish which may be
brushed to a lustre.
Penetrating Sealers
(b) Lean boards on their long edges
as near vertical as possible against
walls around room, with mesh
faces of the boards showing
to the centre of the room.
These provide an excellent means of finishing and
maintaining Tempered Presdwood® work surfaces. They
are easily applied, fast-drying and simply maintained
by cleaning the surface and applying a fresh coat of
sealer as and when wear takes place.
Staining
Any of the following may be used in staining or tinting
Masonite® Brand Presdwoods:
- Wood stains
- Colour-in-oil thinned slightly with sub turps.
- Dry pigment or colour-in-oil in a clear sub turps
sealer.
- Flat oil paint thinned with turpentine.
11
jd126736_working_brochure1 5/20/08 3:26 PM Page 7
C
Decoration
M
Y
CM
MY
CY CMY
Timber/Steel
support details
Edge Treatment
All exposed edges of exterior panels should receive
some form of treatment. Most edge treatments consist
of a bevelled or rounded edge which can be obtained
with a woodworking plane, sandpaper or a special
bevelling tool. (A bevelling tool has an adjustable blade
to control the depth of cut to ensure that all edges are
uniform.) For long production runs use a spindle moulder.
Decorating
Generally, every type of finish for wood is satisfactory
for hardboard. These include paint, baked enamel, varnish,
synthetic resins, wax, and penetrating sealers.
Surface Preparation
The surface to be finished must be clean and dry. Dirt
may be removed with mild soap and water. Caustics or
strong alkalis should not be used, small areas of grease
may be removed with solvents.
Application
Finishing materials may be applied by brush, curtaincoater, spray or roller. In finishing, the importance of
the first coat cannot be overstressed. Be sure this initial
coat, which may be clear or pigmented, will be suitable
for any subsequent coats. For especially smooth finishes,
sand lightly between coats with extra fine sandpaper.
Clean surface with a rag after sanding. Use only quality
products and it is most important to carefully folow the
manufacturers’ instructions.
K
Support centres
Before commencing to fix boards refer to the section
“Conditioning Before Fixing”. Boards, if not fixed to
a continous backing material, require support around all
edges and at equal, vertical intervals as detailed in Table
3. This table relates to boards intalled in a vertical position
(ie: walls).
These recommendations deal with supports for wall and
ceiling panels where only the self-weight of the board
is involved. For applications where additional loading
is likely, or high impact-resistance is required, support
at closer centres may be needed.
TABLE 3
Maximum stud and batten centres (mm) for boards of
given type and thickness (See note)
BOARD TYPE
Hardboard
BOARD THICKNESS (mm)
3,2
4,0
4,8
6,4
305
406
Softboard
10
13
19
305
406
610
Note:
The maximum spacings shown may not be appropriate for
regular spacing across the width of a particular sheet of board in case of doubt supports should be at closer centres.
Wall Linings
Battens are usuallly chosen for one of three reasons:
when fixing to an uneven or unsound wall, when an air
cavity is required or when the existing stud centres are
unsuitable. Rough-sawn timber is adequate for most
purposes, and 38 x 25mm is the smallest practical size.
Battens may be fixed with masonry nails, but with dense
brickwork and stud partitions the wall will need to be
drilled, plugged and the battens fixed with screws. Faces
of the battens must lie in the same plane in order to give
a level fixing surface - packing pieces, such as hardboard
offcuts, should be inserted behind the battens, as required,
to achieve this.
Fig 7
Joist
Battens
Intermediate battens may be required to accommodate
fixings such as light fittings or shelf supports. Extra
battens may be needed for such attachment points, and
to support edges at openings such as doors and windows.
Boards which are to be decorated on site may be fixed
with nails, screws or staples. With pre-decorated board,
eg. Timbawall®, contact adhesives are preferred.
Temporary panel pins may be used to secure the board
while the adhesive cures.
Softboard panel
Ceilings
10
Composite
Softboard may be fixed direct to timber joists, providing
these are sufficiently level and are appropriately spaced.
Board edges should be supported by cross noggings
nailed between the joists. Alternatively, a batten
framework may be fixed to the joists at centres suitable
for the type and thickness of board. For intermediate
battens use minimum 38 x 38 mm and 50 x 38mm for
panel joints. Use 40mm galvanised clout nails and nail
panels into intermediate battens starting from the centre
of the board, working in both directions at 200mm
centres. Always leave a gap of 4mm between panels and
complete nailing along sides and ends at 100mm centres.
(See Fig 7.)
Battens should be at the centres shown in Table 3.
7
jd126736_working_brochure1 5/20/08 3:26 PM Page 8
C
Fixing
TABLE 4
Recommended Nail Types and Sizes (Interior Use)
A - Lost Nailing (for work to be painted or left undecorated.)
Nails should be homed and neatly stopped.
SHANK
DIAM
(mm)
Round or square shank
panel pin. Gimp pin.
25
1,6
Lost-head nail with round
or oval shank.
40
2,36
LENGTH
(mm)
SHANK
DIAM
(mm)
TYPE OF NAIL
Hardboard
Softboard
B - Covered Nailing (for work to be covered by paper,
cover strips, PVC, foil, veneers, etc.)
BOARD TYPE
TYPE OF NAIL
Hardboard
Lath nail.
Gimp pin.
25
1,8
Softboard
Clout nail.
40
2,36
Improved Nails
Fig 8
Annular
Helically threaded
Fig 9
Staples
The advantages of using staples is a reduction in the
tendency of splitting or deformation particularly near
the edge of the board.
8
Holding Sheet Materials Together
Staples can also be turned (or clinched) inwards or
outwards against a steel plate after penetration through
the materials. (See Fig 10)
Composite
MY
CY CMY
K
Divergent chisel point
After firing
Fig 10
Outward
Fig 11
Screws
LENGTH
(mm)
BOARD TYPE
In general rust-resistant nails should be specified with
a length of at least two and a half times the board
thickness. In some cases this is more than the available
depth of the timber framework; in such cases improved
nails should be specified. (See Fig 8)
Boards can be fixed either by hand or machine-stapling
techniques. The automatic machines are either spring,
mallet, or pneumatically operated. When fixing through
boards into wooden supports or frameworks, it is
generally advisable to use divergent-point staples. Fig
9 illustrates how the design of the staple point causes
the divergence on firing; this produces a dovetail or
skew-nailing effect and provides a strong fixing.
CM
Procedures
Fixing Accessories
Nails and Pins
Where nailing is the preferred fastening method, correct
nail selection is important. Table 4 details the
recommended types for interior work. All fasteners
should be inset from board edges by 6-12mm, and those
placed on adjoining edges should be paired (not
staggered) across joints.
Y
Fixing
Procedures
There are two important factors concerned with fixing
boards accurately and successfully:
1. Correct sequence in fixing - start from one edge of
the sheet and work across. With the second sheet, start
from the edge adjacent to the sheet already secured. Do
not fix corners first then centres as this will “build-in”
a tendency towards bulging from the outset. Even when
adhesives are used for fixing, the board should be pressed
home at one edge first and then “smoothed” on to the
remaining supports.
2. Correct fixing centres - a large number of relatively
low strength fixings are preferable to just a few strong
fixings. Nails or staples should be at 100mm centres
around the board periphery and 150 mm centres
elsewhere. Leave a gap of 1mm between adjacent panels.
M
Inward
For certain applications, screws are preferable to nails,
staples or adhesives, eg. where access to services or
equipment will be required at a later date for maintenance,
repair or replacement.
Screw cup
(Note clearance
and pilot holes)
Most of the common types of woodscrew can be used
with fibre building boards, but rust-resistant varieties
are preferable. Where countersunk-head screws are used
with the thinner hardboards or softboard, screw cups or
collars should be used. Fig. 11 shows the variety of
treatments available.
Where fixing is through the board, the gauge and length
of screw will depend on the particular background
material and its dimensions. The hole in the board should
be a clearance hole, ie. slightly larger than the screw
shank diameter. This allows a completely tight joint to
be made beween board and background.
Plastic dome collar
and screw
(Colour finish)
Adhesives
The use of adhesives obviates the need to conceal nail
heads on panelling. This is specially important with
primecoated and prefinished panels eg. Timbawall®.
Although most woodworking adhesives can be used,
certain types of adhesive systems are especially suited
to this range of sheet materials for particular applications.
To obtain the best results when veneering, laminating,
or glueing hardboard to a framed structure it is
recommended that the face to be bonded is sanded to
ensure proper adhesion. When bonding to the screen
side it is necessary to remove as much of the screen
impression as is required to ensure adequate contact.
Commonly used adhesives include solvent-based contact
adhesives, urea-formaldehyde, phenolic resin and PVA.
Phenolic resin is recommended when high water
resistance is required.
It must be strongly emphasised however, that the advice
of reputable adhesive manufacturers’ should be sought
whenever circumstances demand it.
Boards should be properly “conditioned” before adhesive
application. In addition, careful consideration should
be given to the optimum conditions for bonding including
temperature control, cleanliness and soundness of the
surfaces to be bonded, and the spacing of supports.
9
jd126736_working_brochure1 5/20/08 3:26 PM Page 8
C
Fixing
TABLE 4
Recommended Nail Types and Sizes (Interior Use)
A - Lost Nailing (for work to be painted or left undecorated.)
Nails should be homed and neatly stopped.
SHANK
DIAM
(mm)
Round or square shank
panel pin. Gimp pin.
25
1,6
Lost-head nail with round
or oval shank.
40
2,36
LENGTH
(mm)
SHANK
DIAM
(mm)
TYPE OF NAIL
Hardboard
Softboard
B - Covered Nailing (for work to be covered by paper,
cover strips, PVC, foil, veneers, etc.)
BOARD TYPE
TYPE OF NAIL
Hardboard
Lath nail.
Gimp pin.
25
1,8
Softboard
Clout nail.
40
2,36
Improved Nails
Fig 8
Annular
Helically threaded
Fig 9
Staples
The advantages of using staples is a reduction in the
tendency of splitting or deformation particularly near
the edge of the board.
8
Holding Sheet Materials Together
Staples can also be turned (or clinched) inwards or
outwards against a steel plate after penetration through
the materials. (See Fig 10)
Composite
MY
CY CMY
K
Divergent chisel point
After firing
Fig 10
Outward
Fig 11
Screws
LENGTH
(mm)
BOARD TYPE
In general rust-resistant nails should be specified with
a length of at least two and a half times the board
thickness. In some cases this is more than the available
depth of the timber framework; in such cases improved
nails should be specified. (See Fig 8)
Boards can be fixed either by hand or machine-stapling
techniques. The automatic machines are either spring,
mallet, or pneumatically operated. When fixing through
boards into wooden supports or frameworks, it is
generally advisable to use divergent-point staples. Fig
9 illustrates how the design of the staple point causes
the divergence on firing; this produces a dovetail or
skew-nailing effect and provides a strong fixing.
CM
Procedures
Fixing Accessories
Nails and Pins
Where nailing is the preferred fastening method, correct
nail selection is important. Table 4 details the
recommended types for interior work. All fasteners
should be inset from board edges by 6-12mm, and those
placed on adjoining edges should be paired (not
staggered) across joints.
Y
Fixing
Procedures
There are two important factors concerned with fixing
boards accurately and successfully:
1. Correct sequence in fixing - start from one edge of
the sheet and work across. With the second sheet, start
from the edge adjacent to the sheet already secured. Do
not fix corners first then centres as this will “build-in”
a tendency towards bulging from the outset. Even when
adhesives are used for fixing, the board should be pressed
home at one edge first and then “smoothed” on to the
remaining supports.
2. Correct fixing centres - a large number of relatively
low strength fixings are preferable to just a few strong
fixings. Nails or staples should be at 100mm centres
around the board periphery and 150 mm centres
elsewhere. Leave a gap of 1mm between adjacent panels.
M
Inward
For certain applications, screws are preferable to nails,
staples or adhesives, eg. where access to services or
equipment will be required at a later date for maintenance,
repair or replacement.
Screw cup
(Note clearance
and pilot holes)
Most of the common types of woodscrew can be used
with fibre building boards, but rust-resistant varieties
are preferable. Where countersunk-head screws are used
with the thinner hardboards or softboard, screw cups or
collars should be used. Fig. 11 shows the variety of
treatments available.
Where fixing is through the board, the gauge and length
of screw will depend on the particular background
material and its dimensions. The hole in the board should
be a clearance hole, ie. slightly larger than the screw
shank diameter. This allows a completely tight joint to
be made beween board and background.
Plastic dome collar
and screw
(Colour finish)
Adhesives
The use of adhesives obviates the need to conceal nail
heads on panelling. This is specially important with
primecoated and prefinished panels eg. Timbawall®.
Although most woodworking adhesives can be used,
certain types of adhesive systems are especially suited
to this range of sheet materials for particular applications.
To obtain the best results when veneering, laminating,
or glueing hardboard to a framed structure it is
recommended that the face to be bonded is sanded to
ensure proper adhesion. When bonding to the screen
side it is necessary to remove as much of the screen
impression as is required to ensure adequate contact.
Commonly used adhesives include solvent-based contact
adhesives, urea-formaldehyde, phenolic resin and PVA.
Phenolic resin is recommended when high water
resistance is required.
It must be strongly emphasised however, that the advice
of reputable adhesive manufacturers’ should be sought
whenever circumstances demand it.
Boards should be properly “conditioned” before adhesive
application. In addition, careful consideration should
be given to the optimum conditions for bonding including
temperature control, cleanliness and soundness of the
surfaces to be bonded, and the spacing of supports.
9
jd126736_working_brochure1 5/20/08 3:26 PM Page 7
C
Decoration
M
Y
CM
MY
CY CMY
Timber/Steel
support details
Edge Treatment
All exposed edges of exterior panels should receive
some form of treatment. Most edge treatments consist
of a bevelled or rounded edge which can be obtained
with a woodworking plane, sandpaper or a special
bevelling tool. (A bevelling tool has an adjustable blade
to control the depth of cut to ensure that all edges are
uniform.) For long production runs use a spindle moulder.
Decorating
Generally, every type of finish for wood is satisfactory
for hardboard. These include paint, baked enamel, varnish,
synthetic resins, wax, and penetrating sealers.
Surface Preparation
The surface to be finished must be clean and dry. Dirt
may be removed with mild soap and water. Caustics or
strong alkalis should not be used, small areas of grease
may be removed with solvents.
Application
Finishing materials may be applied by brush, curtaincoater, spray or roller. In finishing, the importance of
the first coat cannot be overstressed. Be sure this initial
coat, which may be clear or pigmented, will be suitable
for any subsequent coats. For especially smooth finishes,
sand lightly between coats with extra fine sandpaper.
Clean surface with a rag after sanding. Use only quality
products and it is most important to carefully folow the
manufacturers’ instructions.
K
Support centres
Before commencing to fix boards refer to the section
“Conditioning Before Fixing”. Boards, if not fixed to
a continous backing material, require support around all
edges and at equal, vertical intervals as detailed in Table
3. This table relates to boards intalled in a vertical position
(ie: walls).
These recommendations deal with supports for wall and
ceiling panels where only the self-weight of the board
is involved. For applications where additional loading
is likely, or high impact-resistance is required, support
at closer centres may be needed.
TABLE 3
Maximum stud and batten centres (mm) for boards of
given type and thickness (See note)
BOARD TYPE
Hardboard
BOARD THICKNESS (mm)
3,2
4,0
4,8
6,4
305
406
Softboard
10
13
19
305
406
610
Note:
The maximum spacings shown may not be appropriate for
regular spacing across the width of a particular sheet of board in case of doubt supports should be at closer centres.
Wall Linings
Battens are usuallly chosen for one of three reasons:
when fixing to an uneven or unsound wall, when an air
cavity is required or when the existing stud centres are
unsuitable. Rough-sawn timber is adequate for most
purposes, and 38 x 25mm is the smallest practical size.
Battens may be fixed with masonry nails, but with dense
brickwork and stud partitions the wall will need to be
drilled, plugged and the battens fixed with screws. Faces
of the battens must lie in the same plane in order to give
a level fixing surface - packing pieces, such as hardboard
offcuts, should be inserted behind the battens, as required,
to achieve this.
Fig 7
Joist
Battens
Intermediate battens may be required to accommodate
fixings such as light fittings or shelf supports. Extra
battens may be needed for such attachment points, and
to support edges at openings such as doors and windows.
Boards which are to be decorated on site may be fixed
with nails, screws or staples. With pre-decorated board,
eg. Timbawall®, contact adhesives are preferred.
Temporary panel pins may be used to secure the board
while the adhesive cures.
Softboard panel
Ceilings
10
Composite
Softboard may be fixed direct to timber joists, providing
these are sufficiently level and are appropriately spaced.
Board edges should be supported by cross noggings
nailed between the joists. Alternatively, a batten
framework may be fixed to the joists at centres suitable
for the type and thickness of board. For intermediate
battens use minimum 38 x 38 mm and 50 x 38mm for
panel joints. Use 40mm galvanised clout nails and nail
panels into intermediate battens starting from the centre
of the board, working in both directions at 200mm
centres. Always leave a gap of 4mm between panels and
complete nailing along sides and ends at 100mm centres.
(See Fig 7.)
Battens should be at the centres shown in Table 3.
7
jd126736_working_brochure1 5/20/08 3:25 PM Page 6
C
Before boards are fixed ensure that they are at least as
damp as they are ever likely to become in subsequent
use. Like natural timber and other wood-based products,
boards expand on taking up moisture from the
surrounding air and shrink on losing it. Therefore, if a
board is fixed when it is very “dry” and later takes up
moisture, it is likely to expand - and this could cause
bowing or buckling.
By the time they are on site ready for use, most boards
have already “conditioned” themselves to some extent.
However, to reduce the possiblity of their buckling after
fixing, it is advisable to adjust their moisture content
further by conditioning them before they are fixed either in ambient air conditions or by adding water.
Conditioning in ambient air conditions is adequate in
cases where the board has been stored in periods of high
humidity i.e. during wet summer rain-fall periods but is
NOT sufficient in dry winter periods. It involves exposing
the boards in the room where they are to be fixed for
long enough to allow them to reach a moisture content
which is in balance with their surroundings and adjust
their dimensions accordingly. To encourage free air
circulation over all board surfaces, the boards should be
arranged loosely in one of the ways shown in Fig 6.
They should then be allowed to stand like this for the
minimum length of time, given in Table 2, for the type
of board being used.
Conditioning by adding water, particularly in winter,
effectively increases the board’s moisture content and
encourages expansion before fixing. It is suitable for
standard and tempered hardboards, especially when these
are used in exterior or damp locations.
6
Lay the boards smooth side down on a flat clean surface
in an unheated, draught-free place, under cover and out
of direct sunlight. With a brush or clean mop, rub clean
water into the mesh screen back face of the board at the
rate of a half litre for a board 2440 x 1220 x 3,2 mm.
For board of other sizes or thicknesses, the amount of
water should be increased in proportion. Moisten the
boards uniformly by working from the centre outwards
then place them wet side to wet side in a neat stack. The
boards should then be allowed to stand for the appropriate
minimum length of time given in Table 2.
For coated products, lay one panel face down on clean,
dry paper on a flat surface. Cover screen side of panel
with a single thickness of thoroughly wetted paper - then
place another panel on top, screen side down. Sandwich
all panels like this and cover stack. After 24 to 36 hours,
wipe off excess moisture and fix immediately.
Composite
Y
CM
MY
CY CMY
K
Painting
Conditioning
Before Fixing
M
and Staining
TABLE 2
Approximate “Conditioning” times before fixing
BOARD TYPE
CONDITIONING
BY EXPOSURE
TO AIR
CONDITIONING
WITH WATER
Standard Hardboard
(3,2mm - See note 1)
3 to 5 days
Ideally 48 to 72 hours
minimum time 24 hours
Tempered Hardboard
(3,2mm - See note 1)
5 to 7 days
Ideally 72 to 96 hours
minimum time 48 hours
Softboard
1 to 2 days
Not recommended
Flexijoint
See note 2
Not recommended
Notes:
1. Times shown are approximate for the 3,2mm thickness. These will need
adjusting to allow proportionally longer conditioning times: for thicker
boards, for boards that have been stored in an unusually dry place, or
where the final location has a higher-than-normal humidity.
2. Flexijoint is mostly used in exterior situations and simply storing
them in a covered open area is usually sufficient to condition them.
(a) Lean boards on their long edges
against one wall with separators
(eg. battens, waste timber, board
offcuts) between them.
Fig 6
For most work a three-coat application is required.
1. Hardboard primer or universal undercoat (pink
wood primer is not suitable)
2. Undercoat.
3. Finishing coat. Alternatively two finishing coats.
Primecote® can be adequately finished with a single
coat if applied with a spraygun, but two coats may be
needed if paint is brushed on. Use a type of paint best
suited for the particular purpose. For interior work, any
good grade of interior paint or enamel may be used. On
exterior applications, the hardboard surface and exposed
edges must be given a protective three-coat finish of
exterior grade paint or enamel. When in doubt consult
the Technical Department of your paint manufacturer,
who will be only too willing to assist you.
Note: Sodium silicate provides a good sealer coat
particularly on exterior exposed edges and for
sealing of fixing holes in exterior applications
eg. signboards.
Natural Finish
Application of clear finishes such as varnish, penetrating
sealers, shellac, etc., tends to darken the board to a minor
degree but does not detract from the natural colour.
Another method of retaining the natural finish is the
simple application of a white wax polish which may be
brushed to a lustre.
Penetrating Sealers
(b) Lean boards on their long edges
as near vertical as possible against
walls around room, with mesh
faces of the boards showing
to the centre of the room.
These provide an excellent means of finishing and
maintaining Tempered Presdwood® work surfaces. They
are easily applied, fast-drying and simply maintained
by cleaning the surface and applying a fresh coat of
sealer as and when wear takes place.
Staining
Any of the following may be used in staining or tinting
Masonite® Brand Presdwoods:
- Wood stains
- Colour-in-oil thinned slightly with sub turps.
- Dry pigment or colour-in-oil in a clear sub turps
sealer.
- Flat oil paint thinned with turpentine.
11
jd126736_working_brochure1 5/20/08 3:25 PM Page 5
C
Bending
While compound curves such as dished shapes, etc, are not
always possible, Masonite hardboard products can easily be
bent to form simple, one-directional curves. These fall into
two general types:
1. Those which must be supported with a permanent
framework;
2. Those which are self-supporting.
Cold Dry Bends
Supported bends only. Preparation - no special treatment is
required. Method - starting at one end, permanently fasten
panel as it is wrapped around the form. See Table 5 for
minimum bending radii.
Cold Moist Bends
Supported and self-supporting bends. Preparation - moisture
content of the panels should be increased prior to the bending
operation by one of the following methods: Totally submerge
the board to be bent in water (not exceeding 40 C) for a
minimum period of 2 hours. The period of total immersion
is dependent upon the thickness of the board and the radius
of the desired bend. Stack boards after immersion to equalise
moisture content. If a sufficiently large container is not
available, scrub water into the screen side and stack face to
face, separating the sheets with wet paper. The stack should
be covered to prevent evaporation and allowed to stand for
the following periods of time:
Standard grades: approx. 24 hours
Tempered grades: approx. 48 hours
Method - Supported Bends: Starting at one end, permanently
fasten panel as it is wrapped around the form.
Method - Structural or Self-supported Bends:
The radius of the form should be slightly less than that
desired in the final bend, to allow for springback. Starting
at one end fasten the panel as it is wrapped around the form.
Allow the board to dry completely on the form before
removal. Drying time may be reduced by the application of
heat. See Table 5 for minimum bending radii.
Hot Moist Bends
12
Self-supported bend only. Preparation - moisten panel as
described under “Cold Moist Bends”, but use hot water up
to 55 C. Method - moist panels should be wrapped around
heated forms where they remain until thoroughly dry. The
radius of the form should be slightly less than that desired
to allow for springback. The temperature of the roll or form
should be 150 to 200 C constant and uniformly distributed.
See Table 5 for minimum bending radii.
Heated Rolls
Stationary or rotating, fitted with the necessary clamps and
accessories. Heating mediums may be steam, electricity or
hot oil depending upon the equiment used.
Composite
M
Y
CM
MY
CY CMY
K
Tungsten carbide tipped
saw blades and cutters
TABLE 5
Minimum bending radii
BOARD TYPE THICKNESS
(mm)
Standard
Tempered
BENDING RADIUS (mm)
A
B
C
DRY
WET
WET/HOT
(arrows indicate mesh surface)
3,2
4,8
6,4
300
450
675
250
400
600
175
250
375
125
200
300
85
75
110 100
150 125
3,2
4,8
6,4
225
400
625
175
350
550
150
225
350
100
150
250
60
50
85
75
125 100
A - At ordinary room temperature and moisture contents.
B - After immersion in clean water (up to 40 C) for at least two hours
and then stacked to allow water penetration to each board.
C - After soaking in hot water (up to 55 C) followed by bending
around a heated mandrel at about 180 C.
Tungsten carbide tipped saws and cutters have a very
much lower wear rate than most other types, and this
offsets their high initial cost. Comparisons made on a
range of hardboards indicate a wear rate some 80 times
less with type C tungsten carbide tipped cutters, compared
with 18 per cent tungsten high speed steel.
Cutting pre-decorated boards
It is normal to cut down onto the wanted or decorated
face of a board. Chipping of the decorated surface can
be eliminated by:
- Using a saw with ten (preferably more) teeth per 25mm.
- Keeping a low angle of cut.
- Working to a knifed or scored line, the cut being
made on the waste side of the line.
- Place masking tape on the decorated face over the
intended line of cut. This makes marking easier (pencil
lines can be readily drawn on the tape) as well as
reducing chipping.
Fig 4
Kerf
Back
bevel
angle
Side
(tangetial)
clearance
Tooth
Cutter tip
Tip
Front
bevel
angle
Gullett
Tooth body
Radial
clearance
Plan
Tip to body
clerance
Front Elevation
Back clearance angle, or O.D. clearance
Cutter tip
Tooth
Hook (rake) angle
Drilling
For drilling hardboard, bits designed for drilling steel
are more suitable than those intended for other woodbased materials. Speeds of 3000 - 4000 rpm produce the
cleanest cuts with least lipping around the hole. A feed
speed of about 10mm/sec is the optimum for bit wear.
Conventional steel drills have bits with a point angle of
118 . Increasing this to 170 decreases surface lipping.
(See Fig. 5)
Gullet
Side Elevation
Fig 5
Helix angle
Point angle
5
Lip
jd126736_working_brochure1 5/20/08 3:25 PM Page 4
C
Cutting
Fig 1
When cutting boards it is important to pay attention to
normal good practice: sharp cutters, adequate support
close to saws and cutters, elimination of machine
vibration, correct allowance for saw kerf, etc. The quality
of cut is also affected by moisture, and excessively high
board moisture contents should therefore be avoided.
Low angle of cut
Wanted or decorateds face
Support
The most convenient method of cutting softboard is by
means of a trimming knife used with a straight edge.
To reduce tear-out of the reverse face, the cut should be
made onto a flat, rigid backing material. Softboard may
also be cut with a fine toothed saw (see recommendations
below for cutting hardboard).
Fig 2
Cutting Hardboard by Hand
Where a very close tolerance fit is needed, boards should
be cut to size after moisture content “conditioning”.
Support
Handsaws
Wanted or decorated face
Since hardboards are wood based materials, carpenter’s
handsaws are generally used. To prevent chipping, saws
with ten or more teeth per 25mm are recommended, ie.
a panel saw held at a low angle of cut to the board and
with minimal tooth set (Fig 1).
Mechanical sawing and Routing
Fig 3
Wanted or decorated face
Feed
Certain types of cutters (portable circular saws, radial
arm saws and jig saws) cut on the upstroke, and the
wanted or decorated face of the board should therefore
be placed facing downwards (see Fig 2). Bench circular
saws, on the other hand, cut on the downstroke, thus
necessitating feeding board in face uppermost (Fig 3).
Table 1 gives some recommendations for optimum
cutting of hardboard. Circular saw blades should be set
as low as possible (while still maintaining correct cutting
angle) to prevent chipping and scoring as the board
passes the rear end of the saw blade.
4
The height of the saw blade should be positioned so as
to maintain the correct hook angle relative to the board
surface.
Cutter speed (revolutions/min) is related to feed speed
(metres/min). If the feed speed is too slow, cutters will
have insufficient “chip load” and the tip of the cutter
knife will wear rapidly. Too great a feed speed will
result in rough, fibrous cut edges.
Composite
Y
CM
MY
CY CMY
K
Storage
and sawing
Cutting Softboard by Hand
M
and Handling
All boards should be stored under cover (i.e protected
from rain and direct sunlight) but do not necessarily
have to be in a totally enclosed building. In warm or
hot weather conditions avoid storage in direct sunlight
as this may cause an unwanted fall in moisture content
and/or a bleaching of the natural board colour. In wet
weather conditions, boards should be protected from the
rain and excessive humidity.
Fig 12
Boards are usually delivered from the the factory in
various forms of unitised packs such as pallet loads of
boards bundled together with metal or plastic straps.
Stacking of unitised packs is important and there should
be sufficient bearers to support the boards without
allowing sagging between bearers and the bearers must
be vertically aligned- see Fig. 12. The strapping bands
should be cut as soon as practical after delivery to prevent
them permanently deforming the boards.
Hardboard which has warped due to uneven uptake of
moisture may be flattened by thoroughly wetting the
screen face and leaving stacked flat, weighted where
necessary, for several days - see Table 2.
When boards are unpacked and sorted into smaller
batches they should again be stored flat. If this is not
possible, they should be stacked vertically along their
longer edges and adequately supported - See Fig 13.
Fig 13
Special care must be taken to avoid damage to edges
and corners during handling and transportation. This is
especially important with “higher value” pre-decorated
boards.
TABLE 1
Cutting hardboard: Recommendations for saws and routers
(For explanation of terms see Fig 4.)
Diameter (mm)
Revolutions/minute
Cutter speed (m/sec)
Number of teeth
Feeding speed metres/minute
Chipload (mm)
Back clearance angle
Hook or rake angle
Tangential clearance angle
Radial clearance angle
Front bevel angle
Back bevel angle
SAWS
350
3500-4000
70
76
20-50
0,2
10-14
5-10
3
1
0-5
10-15
ROUTERS
100-150
6000
30-50
6-8
8-10
0,2
12
15
13
jd126736_working_brochure1 5/20/08 3:24 PM Page 3
C
Manufacturing...
Hardboard has many of the desirable characteristics of
wood, but is without the defects found in wood. It is
grainless, knotless, and will not easily split or splinter.
It can also be bent, curved or moulded to various shapes
and has good machining properties, nailability and high
internal bond strength for glueing. These important
benefits, along with a high structural strength, good
dimensional stability, durability, resistance to abrasion
and a smooth surface make hardboard ideal for use in
the furniture, door manufacturing, construction,
automotive and packaging industries.
MASONITE HARDBOARD PHYSICAL PROPERTIES
14
Composite
CM
MY
CY CMY
K
Your needs!
Hardboard is produced from timber which is reduced to
lignocellulose fibres, wet-felted and hot pressed to form
sheets. The primary bond is derived from the felting
process and inherent adhesive properties of the lignin
which occur naturally in timber. Surface texture is smooth
or embossed on one side with a fine mesh pattern on the
reverse. Masonite® Brand hardboard is commonly
referred to by the trade name Presdwood®
UNIT
Nominal Thickness
mm
Thickness Tolerance (unsanded)
mm
Mass
Density
STANDARD PRESDWOOD
This brochure introduces you to the versatile
and easy to handle aspects of hardboard products
and illustrates how they can be used for
maximum efficiency, durability and effect. Good
workmanship takes time and care… Masonite
is dedicated to assisting you in every step along
the way.
Contact your nearest Masonite sales office for
further information and details of the full range
of Masonite quality products, namely; Softboard,
Deep Moulded, Plain and Embossed Door Panels,
Trugrain, Timbawall, Timbamatch, Flexijoint,
Echostop and Mineral Fibre Ceiling Tiles.
TEMPERED PRESDWOOD
3.2
4.8
6.4
3.2
4.8
6.4
±
0.4
0.4
0.4
0.4
0.4
0.4
kg/m2
approx.
3.2
4.8
6.4
3.2
4.8
6.4
kg/m3
min.
940
940
940
960
960
960
Bending Strength (M.O.R)
MPa
min.
38
38
38
50
50
50
Interlamina Tensile
Strength (Bond)
MPa
min.
0.7
0.7
0.7
1.0
1.0
1.0
Sheer Resistance
MPa
Av.
35
35
35
40
40
40
N/mm
Thick
min.
120
120
120
125
125
125
Water Absorption after
24hrs immersion at 20ºC
%
max.
30
20
16
24
20
15
Thickness increase after
24hrs in water at 20ºC
%
max.
18
16
14
16
16
14
Thickness Increase from
33% to 90% RH at 20ºC
%
max.
7
7
7
7
7
7
Linear Expansion/Contraction in
range 33% to 90% RH at 20ºC
%
max.
0.25
0.25
0.25
0.25
0.25
0.25
Thermal Conductivity
K
W/mºC
Av.
0.12
0.12
0.12
0.14
0.14
0.14
Thermal Resistance
R
m2 ºC/W
Av.
0.027
0.04
0.053
0.025
0.034
0.046
Lateral Nail Holding Ability
(Using a 3mm diameter pin)
Y
Understanding
Hardboard
PROPERTY
M
Cutting And Sawing
4&5
Drilling
5
Conditioning Before Fixing
6
Timber/Steel Support Details
7
Fixing Procedures
8&9
Decoration
10
Painting And Staining
11
Bending
12
Storage And Handling
13
Hardboard Manufacture
14
Softboard/Flexijoint Manufacture 15
3
jd126736_working_brochure1 5/20/08 3:23 PM Page 2
C
M
Y
CM
MY
CY CMY
K
The world’s
first piece of
Hardboard!
Over 80 years ago, in an attempt to reduce the great
quantities of left-over wood, normally burned as waste,
to its strong component fibres, William H Mason
developed a unique explosion process. His intention was
to use a steam-heated screw press to squeeze the water
out of a piece of wetlap and to dry out the resulting flat
panel in an oven.
One day, he turned off the steam and went to lunch.
Upon his return, he found the press still hot because the
steam valve had sprung a leak. Meanwhile, his piece of
wetlap had turned into a hard, dense, dry board which
wouldn’t split, splinter, crack, dent or snag.
Flexijoint
Softboard is made up of wet-felted wood fibres combined
into a relatively soft board of uniform density and
thickness. The cellular nature of the material results in
a lightweight multi-purpose sheet or panel having good
thermal and sound insulation properties. The board, as
it is produced, has a light brown textured finish but may
be obtained with a factory applied pre-painted (primecoat)
finish.
Flexijoint, an ideal lightweight expansion jointing material
for concrete structures, is derived from the addition of
bitumen during the standard softboard manufacturing
process. Due to excellent compression and recovery
ratios, as well as minimum water absorption and thickness
swell characteristics, it has an outstanding ability to hold
a constant joint size.
Easy to handle and durable, softboard has numerous
uses in homes, offices, factories and educational
institutions. It is particularly suitable for use as ceiling
boards, protective packaging and protection of high cost
horizontal & vertical surfaces on building projects,
display boards, pinning board substrate, internal office
screen material, and much more.
Quite by accident, he had discovered the incredibly
versatile and practical product which became known as
Masonite® Brand hardboard.
William H Mason
Since then, the uses of hardboard have become virtually
limitless, and from Mr Mason’s little workshop has
grown a vast, world-wide organisation of afforestation,
production, marketing and sales, distribution and research.
Many types, thicknesses, surface textures and sizes are
now available for use industrially, commercially and
domestically.
In Africa, the Masonite name has for over 55 years been
synonomous with quality and integrity in the provision
of complete support to the entire construction industry
through specifiers, builders, distributors and stockists.
2
Estcourt Mill
Composite
Softboard
Used mainly for high rise buildings, pavements, gutters,
curbs, aprons, driveways and other concrete strips, streets
and highways, Flexijoint is also suitable for
vertical/horizontal supports and reinforced concrete
structures such as bridges, retaining walls and piers.
The following names are registered trademarks of Masonite
Corporation and/or Masonite (Africa) limited: Masonite,
Presdwood, Seadrift, Regency, Legacy, Albany, Orleans,
Country West, Peg-board, Timbawall, Timbatone, Trugrain.
MASONITE SOFTBOARD PHYSICAL PROPERTIES
PROPERTY
UNIT
Nominal Thickness
mm
Thickness Tolerance
mm
Mass
Density
SOFTBOARD
FLEXIJOINT
10.00
13.00
19.00
10.00
13.00
±
0.8
0.8
0.8
0.7
0.7
kg/m2
approx.
2.3
3.2
4.8
2.3
3.2
kg/m3
max.
400
400
400
400
400
MPa
min.
2
2
2
2
2
Lateral Nail Holding Ability
(Using a 3mm diameter pin)
N/mm
Thick
min.
14
14
14
14
14
Water Absorption after 2hrs
immersion at 20ºC
%
max.
35
30
23
28
23
Linear Expansion/Contraction in
range 33% to 90% RH at 20ºC
%
max.
0.5
0.5
0.5
Thermal Conductivity
K
W/mºC
Av.
0.06
0.06
0.06
0.06
0.06
Thermal Resistance
R
m2ºC/W
Av.
0.222
0.289
0.422
0.222
0.289
Bending Strength (M.O.R)
15
jd126736_working_brochure1 5/21/08 10:52 AM Page 1
C
For any further technical assistance
prior to fixing, please contact your
nearest Masonite Sales Office.
Composite
M
Y
CM
MY
CY CMY
K